Home
>
New Zealand
>
Christchurch
>
Attraction
>
Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience

Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience - Photo 2

Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience - Photo 3

Attraction Ticket Attraction

Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience

Name: Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience
Brand: HolidaySG
Price: 129.74 SGD
Availability: InStock

5 people viewing now

7 Tussock Lane, Ferrymead, Christchurch 8023, Ne...

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

Beautiful volcanic surroundings
45 Minutes swimming with the dolphins
Voted New Zealand's #1 must-do experience
Encounter rare and playful mammals
ONLY place in the world to swim with Hector Dolphins
Hot chocolate and hot showers afterwards

Ticket Options

Select a date to see live prices & availability

All

🤖 💰 💵 💲

Not available on this date

This activity has no availability for the selected date. Please try a different date or contact our support team.

Swimming with Dolphins Akaroa

Non-refundable

Adult -17%

SGD 184.21 SGD 152.71

Child -17%

SGD 156.44 SGD 129.74

No package is available on this selected date. Try another date.

About Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Akaroa Harbour and swim alongside the world's rarest dolphins — the playful Hector's Dolphins. This unforgettable 3-hour cruise takes you through stunning volcanic landscapes to an exclusive encounter that's been voted New Zealand's #1 must-do experience.

Local Legends & Stories

Akaroa was founded by French settlers in the 1840s, and you'll still hear French surnames echoing through the harbour's charming streets today. Local Māori legends speak of the dolphins as messengers between the sea and the spirit world, adding a spiritual depth to this encounter.

Must Do Experiences

Swim with Hector's Dolphins — the only place on Earth where this is possible
Explore the dramatic volcanic caldera surrounding Akaroa Harbour
Visit the charming French-inspired village of Akaroa with its cobblestone streets
Relax in natural hot showers and enjoy warm hot chocolate after your swim

Hidden Gems

The harbour was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption — ask your guide about the fascinating geology during the cruise
Akaroa's French heritage is visible in the street names and architecture; take a stroll through the village after your swim
Seals often lounge on the rocky outcrops along the harbour — keep your eyes peeled during the boat journey

What Makes it Special

The ONLY place in the world where you can swim with Hector's Dolphins, a critically endangered species found exclusively around New Zealand
Voted New Zealand's #1 must-do experience by travellers worldwide
All equipment provided including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, booties, gloves, and hoods — everything you need for a comfortable encounter

Available Facilities

Hot showers hot chocolate station wetsuit and snorkelling equipment changing facilities gift shop toilet facilities parking

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to swim with Hector's Dolphins is between September and April, when the dolphins are most active and visible in the harbour. Mornings tend to offer calmer waters and better visibility, making for an even more magical experience.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

Underwater cameras and photos are available for purchase on the day — consider booking in advance during peak season
Natural light penetrates the harbour beautifully in the morning, so earlier cruises offer the best photography conditions
Let your guide know if you're hoping for photo opportunities — they'll help position you for the best shots with the dolphins

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

New Zealanders value a relaxed, friendly approach — don't be surprised if your guide shares local stories and humour throughout the experience. When visiting Akaroa, respect the marine environment by following all guidelines provided by your dolphin guide to protect these endangered creatures.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

September to April: Peak dolphin swimming season with the highest likelihood of encounters
Christmas and New Year period: Special festive cruises with increased dolphin activity
Summer months (December-February): Warmest water temperatures for a more comfortable swimming experience

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

All necessary equipment including wetsuits, masks, and booties is provided — no need to bring your own
Swimmers must be comfortable in open water; a basic level of swimming ability is recommended
Follow your dolphin guide's instructions at all times to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with the dolphins

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

The Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience is priced as a comprehensive package covering the full 3-hour cruise, 45-minute dolphin swim, all equipment, and post-swim refreshments. Photos are available as an optional extra at an additional cost on the day.

Visit Duration

The full experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including the harbour cruise, dolphin swim, and time to warm up with hot chocolate and showers afterward. Plan to arrive at 7 Tussock Lane, Ferrymead at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

The boat cruise and dolphin swim require a moderate level of mobility and comfort in open water. Please contact the operator in advance if you have any accessibility requirements to discuss suitable arrangements.

Overview

Inclusions
* Approximately 3 Hour Cruise in the beautiful Akaroa Harbour * 45 minutes swimming with the dolphins * Full briefing on dolphin's expected behaviour from dolphin guide * All equipment is provided including; wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves and a hood if necessary * Hot showers available for afterwards * Hot chocolate to warm you up after your swim

Exclusions
* Hotel transfers * Photos are an optional extra and can be purchased on the day

Highlights
* 2 hour swimming with the dolphins cruise operating between September to April * Only place in the World you can swim with Hector’s Dolphins * Listed in the Lonely Planet guide as one of the 'Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in The World' * Beautiful volcanic surroundings *Portion of each ticket goes towards research for Hector’s Dolphins

Seasons
* The dolphin swim operates all year round

Location
* Tour departs from Main Wharf, 61 Beach Rd, Akaroa * Akaroa Harbour is around 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Akaroa Township is a quaint, French inspired seaside village which is very romantic and unique in New Zealand

What To Bring
* Swimming costume and a towel (During the low season months of May to September we provide dry suits. With a dry suit you can wear normal clothes underneath and remain 100% dry) * Note you should wear warm clothes suitable for a cool day, so a polar fleece, polypropylene underwear, woollen socks and trousers are recommended. Jeans are not suitable

Booking Information
* Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking * Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience * Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction * For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher * Cruise vessel subject to change without notice * Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control * We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements *Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you

Important Information

Opening Hours

* 11.30am (October to April)
* Duration - 2 hours on the water (plus half an hour before and after)
* Please ensure you arrive 30 minutes prior for check in

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

Complete secure payment at checkout.

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

NIL

Location

7 Tussock Lane, Ferrymead, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this experience includes approximately 45 minutes of swimming with Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour.

Yes, you will get wet during the 45-minute swimming portion of this experience, and hot showers are available for you to use afterwards.

All necessary equipment is provided for your swim, including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves, and a hood if required.

The cruise departs from the Akaroa Wharf. You must arrange your own transportation from Christchurch to Akaroa, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

The experience includes a 3-hour cruise on Akaroa Harbour, 45 minutes of swimming with dolphins, a full briefing on dolphin behaviour, and all snorkelling equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves, and hood if needed). Hot showers and hot chocolate are also provided.

The 2-hour dolphin swimming cruise operates seasonally from September to April, when conditions and dolphin activity are optimal.

Akaroa is the only place in the world where you can legally swim with Hector’s Dolphins, New Zealand’s rarest and smallest dolphin species.

The swim requires moderate fitness—you’ll need to enter and exit the water from a moving vessel, swim in open water with a wetsuit, and maintain buoyancy using a flotation device if needed.

The experience involves boarding a boat, climbing down a ladder into the water, and swimming—activities not suitable for those with significant mobility restrictions. Contact the operator for specific accommodation requests.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, warm clothing for the boat and after the swim, seasickness medication if prone to it, and a waterproof camera (photos are available for purchase on site if desired).

Tours may be cancelled if sea conditions are unsafe or dolphin activity is insufficient. In such cases, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Allocate approximately 3 hours total—from check-in at the wharf, through the cruise and swim, to debrief and post-swim refreshments.

Children must meet minimum age and swimming ability requirements—typically ages 8+ and able to swim unassisted in open water. Minors require adult supervision and parental consent.

About Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience

Meet the world’s smallest and friendliest dolphins – the New Zealand Hector’s Dolphin. Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula is a protected marine sanctuary and with Black Cat Cruises you can have a close encounter with these rare and incredibly playful mammals. Now it is your chance to get out there and swim with the dolphins in their natural habitat. Watch as they dart around, frolicking and mucking about beside you in the ocean waves. This incredible wildlife encounter will resonate forever with you; it truly is an unforgettable experience. Black Cat Cruises provide the wetsuits, masks and a snorkel for your 3 hour excursion of swimming with the dolphins. All you have to bring is your swimming costume, a towel and a sense of fun and adventure. You will be provided with a hot shower afterwards and you can look forward to a hot drink after your swim. What a great way to spend the day with marine nature in a picturesque harbour surrounded by volcanic cliffs and fascinating wildlife.

All necessary equipment including wetsuits, masks, and booties is provided — no need to bring your own
Swimmers must be comfortable in open water; a basic level of swimming ability is recommended
Follow your dolphin guide's instructions at all times to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with the dolphins

Underwater cameras and photos are available for purchase on the day — consider booking in advance during peak season
Natural light penetrates the harbour beautifully in the morning, so earlier cruises offer the best photography conditions
Let your guide know if you're hoping for photo opportunities — they'll help position you for the best shots with the dolphins

Hot showers, hot chocolate station, wetsuit and snorkelling equipment, changing facilities, gift shop, toilet facilities, parking

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.

Yes, all payments on HolidaySG are processed through SSL-encrypted, PCI-compliant payment gateways. We support major credit/debit cards and other secure payment methods.

Most bookings are instantly confirmed. You will receive your e-tickets via email within minutes of completing your purchase.

Cancellation and modification policies vary by activity. Please check the specific cancellation policy listed under each ticket option before booking.

In most cases, you can show your e-ticket directly from your mobile phone at the venue. Some activities may require a printed voucher — this will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.

If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.

Yes, you can select multiple tickets for your group. For large groups (10+ people), please contact our support team for special group rates.

No, the price you see is the price you pay. All taxes and service fees are included in the displayed price.

We recommend arriving at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and any security procedures.

Yes, you can purchase tickets as a gift or for other travellers. Simply enter the correct details during checkout.

All prices on HolidaySG are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise indicated.

Yes, HolidaySG is an authorized booking partner working directly with attractions, tour operators, and experience providers across Asia.

Our customer support team is available daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) to help. You can reach us via email or chat, and we will work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Some activities offer special pricing for students, seniors, and children. These will be shown as separate ticket types when available.

Tickets are generally valid only for the selected date. If you need to change your visit date, please contact our support team before the original date.

Refund policies depend on the specific activity and ticket type. Free cancellation options are clearly marked where available.

You can reach our support team daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) via email at support@holidaysg.com or through the live chat on our website.

No, you can book as a guest. However, creating an account lets you track your bookings, save favourites, and access exclusive deals.

We strive to offer the most competitive prices. If you find a lower price for the same activity on another platform, contact us and we will do our best to match it.

Yes, we often offer combo packages that bundle popular attractions together at a discounted rate. Check our promotions page for current deals.